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Whistling Gardens – July 15, 2014

To celebrate our wedding anniversary, Lloyd and I struck out from Kitchener for Whistling Gardens located mid-way between Brantford and Simcoe. Set to explore some 20 acres of botanical gardens, we armed ourselves with walking canes, sun hats, comfortable shoes, and, of course, a camera.

A graceful Weeping Norway Spruce welcomed us, signalling that we wouldn’t be disappointed in what we were about to see. We were given a map, showing the location of various gardens and special features.

Now, ‘fess up. Doesn’t the arm of this old Cottonwood Popular near the entrance of the gardens make you want to climb up and sit there a spell?

Lilies I hadn’t seen before and phlox bloom next to a hedge of dwarf Weeping Norway Spruce which the owner grafted himself. What a handsome sight!

How’s this for a splash of colour?

Benches abound! Walkways are wheelchair accessible, with no hills to struggle with. Washroom facilities are available, and beverages and light snacks may be purchased as well.

Swans are part of the tranquil atmosphere. A tiny island set in the middle of the lake adds to the intrigue. The good news is . . . a large lake is about to be dug on adjacent land, sure to enhance the pleasure of a day at Whistling Gardens.

Complimentary colours are juxtaposed everywhere with exciting effect!

Unusual specimen plants will set you back on your heels! Which corner of the globe might this beauty be native to?

Want to pass the time by playing some chess?

Graceful fountains are guarded by bracket beds on four corners. Lovely life-size statuary adorn some of the gardens.

You will take home lots of inspiration. I simply fell in love with Queen of the Prairies, and have been scheming ever since just where such luscious flowers would be happy residents in my garden. They need a moist location. Below is a photo of the tall beauties, followed by a close-up of their fairy-like heads of teensy flowers:

This sign says it all:

Isn’t this one a honey? I think it’s some kind of pine, and the next one looks like it might belong to the hemlock family.

Whistling Gardens also offer plants for sale. I didn’t have time to even think of buying. I was too busy looking!

Our day was topped off with a choreographed 8-minute water display which is run twice daily Monday thru Friday, and three times on weekends.

Rates are $13 Adults, $11 Seniors 60+, $6 Students 5-22, Four and under free. Group rates and guided tours available. Weddings hosted.

Email: info@whistlinggardens.ca

www.whistlinggardens.ca

Phone: 519-443-5773

The owner offered to draw us a map, enabling us to return to Kitchener in about 40 minutes. He’s a speedy and accurate cartographer – just another one of his numerous talents. What he and his family have created here at Whistling Gardens is something you must experience. Put it on your bucket list!!